Confederation Park

Confereration Park Rewewal Project

Confederation Park is one of Regina's oldest parks. Ninety years after its creation, the park has been renewed by the City.

The park serves a diverse neighbourhood. It will provide a renewed destination for people wanting to learn about Confederation.

The renewal project reflects the priorities of the City's Cultural Plan and Official Community Plan to commemorate and celebrate the City's cultural heritage. Like any historically signficant park, the rehabilitation of the park:

balances the need to respect and relay the cultural signficance of the park and to educate future generations

improves the urban ecology of Regina

enhances recreational use and cultural understanding by reflecting local residents including First Nations and Métis peoples

improves the park's capacity to reach residents and visitors who want to learn about the national and regional significance of past events

Historial Roots

When the park was created in 1927, it was specifically designed for the exhibition grounds, which attracted people from across Regina and elsewhere. These people needed space for rest and enjoyment.

Confederation Park in its early days (Saskatchewan Archives, R_B9542)

The park was also created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Confederation.

Renewal Project Details

The City worked with several stakeholders to bring Confederation Park back to life:

Local artists Jori Cachene and Bruno Hernani worked with more than 50 students from eight high schools in Regina to create public art work that tells the story of Confederation and Regina’s role in it. Their work is displayed on panels in the park and will address the missing voices from Confederation. Schools involved:

Dr. Martin Leboldus Catholic High School

École Monseigneur de Laval: Pavillon Secondaire des Quatre-Vents

Sheldon-Williams Collegiate

Campbell Collegiate

Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School

Scott Collegiate

Michael A. Riffel Catholic High School

Archbishop M.C. O`Neill Catholic High School

The City worked closely with stakeholders to tell the story of Confederation from multiple perspectives. The story is written on panels in the park in three languages: English, French and Cree. Stakeholders consulted are:

Local artist Larissa Kitchemonia worked closely with the Royal Saskatchewan Museum to create public art, with the majority depicting historical indigenous culture, which is displayed on panels in the park.

Restoration work on the fountain was undertaken, including collaboration with the University of Regina, to craft new frog pieces that will replace the original cast zinc frogs that were part of the fountain when it was installed in 1927.

Construction of the gateway arch welcoming visitors to the park. The form of the archway was designed to be reminiscent of a band shell that originally stood at the south end of the park.

The park landscape has been renewed back to its former state with the addition of new trees, shrubs and benches according to the park's original design and with modern conveniences such as an irrigation system and pathway lighting.